Robbi Lepre was with Busch Gardens for more than 39 years. A leader of the theme park community, Robbi is the Former Director of Theatrical Services at Busch Gardens Tampa, having co-created Howl-O-Scream and ChristmasTown. But recently, severe health problems have forced her away from her fabulous profession to deal with these unwanted issues – and she needs your help to get through them.

This story means a lot to me personally, as Robbi has been a wonderful friend of everyone in the theme park industry for so many years, not just doing her job but always genuinely eager to help everyone. She has always greeted me with a warm smile and hug every time I’ve seen her and she has truly felt like a motherly figure to me as this site has grown over the years, championing our every success.

It saddens me to have watched her health worsen over the past year, with multiple issues compounding. Specialists and surgeries do not come cheap and now that Robbi is no longer with Busch Gardens (recently dropped fully from her leave of absence as the company downsized) she is left in need of support.

But she hasn’t asked ever for it. Instead, the theme park community has bound together to form ways in which you can help. Designers from Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Disney, and beyond have come together in support of Robbi.

So how can you help?

First, contribute to the GoFundMe set up to benefit Robbi. This Wellness Fund will help her pay for her ever-growing medical and living expenses.

Second, attend Robbiween! On February 3, the same group that has organized the annual (and amazing) Entertainment Designer Forum has is creating a special event to raise money to help Robbi.

The event will feature three outstanding panel discussions, discussing Halloween Horror Nights, Howl-O-Scream, and building major theme park attractions.

UPDATE: Check out the incredible, just-released lineup of speakers for the Halloween Horror Nights panel…

Owner and Editor of Inside the Magic. Since growing up in Miami, Florida and ultimately moving to Orlando after college, Ricky has become an expert on Central Florida's many theme parks and attractions. He founded Inside the Magic in 2005.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Inside the Magic was created in 2005 by Ricky Brigante. What started as a tiny web site and short weekly podcast has grown to the multimedia-driven experience it is today, focusing on bringing you all things fun, every day.

ITM is the ultimate source for the most interesting, entertaining, and unique entertainment experiences, covering theme parks, movies, TV, video games, conventions, special events and so much more.

We don’t try to cover everything. Instead, we carefully select only the most exciting and unique stories to write about.